Proposed Mamaroneck school budget raises taxes 3.8 percent

Mar. 19, 2013

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MAMARONECK — A dual-language kindergarten pilot program, iPads for all eighth and ninth graders and new school security initiatives are among schools Superintendent Robert Shaps’ proposed $127.7 million budget for next school year.

School taxes would go up 3.8 percent to a rate of $814.09 per $1,000 of assessed value. That would translate to a school tax bill of $16,282 for the owner of a home assessed at the town average of $20,000, up $595.

The spending plan is a 2.7 percent increase from the current year’s budget; it represents a 3.1 percent increase in the tax levy.

District spokeswoman Debbie Manetta said the budget, which stays below the allowable state-calculated tax levy increase, “balances fiscal challenges while maintaining educational excellence and preparing students for the digital age.”

Over the last six years, there has been a $9 million reduction in total assessed valuation on properties, including $4 million in the last two years alone, said Manetta.

A $3.3 million increase in expenditures, primarily driven by mandated employee retirement and health insurance benefits, also has contributed to the higher spending plan.

Inspired by the successful use of iPad, which was funded by the Mamaroneck School Foundation two years ago, the district is planning to equip every student in eighth and ninth grade at the beginning of the school year. The budget sets aside $100,000 for the initiative.

The district is working with the school board and community members to pilot a dual-language kindergarten program at the Mamaroneck Avenue School. Half the students would be native English speakers, the other half native Spanish speaking.

“We are still working to establish goals and objectives,” said Manetta, who added the program was being modeled after other districts, such as Ossining.

About $88,000 has been budgeted for added — but still undetermined — school security initiatives.

The budget also represents a net reduction of about 14 full-time teaching positions through attrition.